Viking Bead No. P5 / Hole 3 mm

Viking bead with granulation decoration.

This Viking bead was modelled on a find from the 9th–10th century, which was crafted using the delicate granulation technique.

In Viking-era granulated beads, tiny spheres and fine wires were soldered onto the bead in intricate, meticulous work.
Our replica, however, is cast entirely in one piece, whilst still beautifully capturing the intricate design.

Link to the historical original...

Dimensions: 1.1 x 1.1 cm. Hole diameter 3 mm.

This Viking jewellery is available in high-quality bronze, genuine silver-plated or 925 sterling silver.

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During the Viking Age, it was often customary to adorn metal beads with a delicate granulation decoration in the form of fine silver wires, strings of beads and spheres, with early medieval goldsmiths crafting small works of art using the simplest of means.
The basis for the granulation decoration was a repoussé or cast bead made from thin silver sheet, onto which the granulated decorative elements were soldered. The solder left no traces visible to the naked eye, so that it almost appeared as though the decorations were floating above the surface of the bead.
In the 8th century, granulation was initially only common on disc-shaped gold pendants; in the 9th century, it then became common on spherical gold beads and gold bracteates as well. By the 11th century, gold granulation had become increasingly widespread.